Mandarin’s Drake Stubbs leads by example, big plays during run to state title game

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The expectations were through the roof, probably greater for the Mandarin football team than any other in town.

There were numerous blue-chip returnees back for more, and the Mustangs were bolstered by a handful of transfers that pushed those expectations to the next level. Safety Drake Stubbs, the All-News4JAX defensive player of the year, was often at the forefront in that leadership role.

That lead-by-example, through words and play, propelled Mandarin to an 11-4 regular season, four straight playoff wins on the road and trip to the Class 4M state championship game, something that surprised no one on the Mustangs.

“We felt that week after week I felt like as the team got better, and as we made plays, it wasn’t a surprise anymore,” Stubbs said. “It was just like we got to keep making those plays, because that’s the expectation.”

For a player who was new to the program, Mandarin coach Toby Bullock said that Stubbs brought far more than just talent to the team. Stubbs was voted a permanent team captain before the season began, the ultimate sign of respect that was earned through the grind of summer workouts and into the regular season.

“We take captains very serious. We put them on our wall as all-time captains. It’s a big deal for us,” Bullock said. “For him to be new and get that, it wasn’t just because of his talent because we had a lot of talent. It was about more than that. Every day when he talks, kids listen.”

Numerous Mandarin players said that 2022 left quite a bit to be desired. The Mustangs won a district title, but struggled in what you’d consider their marquee games. Only one of their five wins (Fletcher) came against a team better than .500. They lost in the opening round of the playoffs to Seminole and finished 5-5.

That wasn’t acceptable back then and it certainly wasn’t going to be acceptable in 2023. In addition to junior stars Tramell Jones and Jaime Ffrench, the Mustangs returned Penn State-committed corners Jon Mitchell and A.J. Belgrave-Shorter. Stubbs transferred from Oakleaf. Offensive guard Deryc Plazz arrived from Jackson. With the newcomers meshing with the abundance of motivated returnees, the fuse was lit.

Stubbs was a thumper in the secondary, sledgehammer of a player who could hit with the ferocity of a middle linebacker and pull passes out of the air like a cornerback. One of the more memorable hits of the season was when Stubbs unloaded on a quarterback to knock him out of bounds.

The quarterback acknowledged Stubbs’ power on the hit that ended a nice scramble.

“D***, Drake, that hit hurt.”

Stubbs had six interceptions, including two in a state semifinal win over Monarch. He also returned a fumble for a touchdown in that game. It was the exclamation point on a wicked postseason for the Mustangs, who became the first area team to win four consecutive playoff games on the road. They came up short in their fifth game away from home, losing to Miami Columbus 38-19 in the Class 4M championship game.

“We still got a chip on our shoulders because we lost, we lost at state. So, we got a chip on our shoulder. So, I think we just going to have to keep doing what we’ve been doing,” Stubbs said. “Keep working always we always go back to plus two, put that extra work in every single day. So, we just got to keep working and keep doing what we’ve been doing.”

Beyond just big hits, Stubbs’ leadership was consequential. Naturally quiet off the field, Stubbs morphs into a vocal leader once he sets foot on it. Bullock said that Stubbs’ ability to talk to teammates in a calm, understandable way is an art.

“I think Drake probably underplays his greatest quality when it comes to being a football player and that’s his everyday passion for playing on Friday nights,” Bullock said. “You have players who play for the attention or because they hope to go to college. Then you have people like Drake who play because they love the game of football. As a coach you couldn’t ask for more. I still think his strongest attribute is he has a true love and passion for the game. When you enjoy what do it’s easy to go work.”

All-News4JAX first-team defense

Pos., Player, School, Class

DL Torrin Brazell, Bradford, Sr.

Two-time All-News4JAX selection. Had 62 tackles, 31 tackles for loss, 16 sacks, 2 INTs and 4 forced fumbles for the area’s most pulverizing defense as Tornadoes finished as the Class 2S state runner-up.

DL Garrison Butler, Bolles, Sr.

Best season of an excellent career. Had 88 tackles, 11 sacks and forced 3 fumbles. Always wreaking havoc. Finished with 21 tackles for loss. Finished career with 167 tackles, 48 TFL and 18 sacks. Second-team All-News4JAX selection last year. Signed with Louisville.

DL Camden Hardy, Atlantic Coast, Sr.

Defense was the main reason for the major turnaround for the Stingrays, who went from 0-10 to battling for a playoff spot and finishing 4-6. Hardy was the player tabbed as the reason for it. Wake Forest signee and son of former Jaguars star LB Kevin Hardy had 70 tackles, 10 sacks.

DL Jyon Simon, Raines, Jr.

Big body in the trenches for Vikings (6-3, 280). Had 60 tackles, 15 TFL, 11 QB hurries and 10 sacks. All-Gateway selection.

LB Seth Chestnut, Baker County, Jr.

Had 133 tackles, 6 sacks, an interception and forced a fumble for 8-4, Class 2S regional finalist Wildcats. Up to 312 career tackles. Honorable mention All-News4JAX selection last year.

LB Jackson Copeland, Mandarin, Sr.

Career year for the Mustangs. Had team-leading 138 tackles, 19 TFL and 9 sacks. Recovered 3 fumbles for 11-4, Class 4M state runner-up.

LB Jamal Harvey-Jackson, Riverside, Sr.

Led the Generals in tackles (78). Added 6 sacks, 2 interceptions, a pair of forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. Honorable mention All-News4JAX selection last year.

LB Drake Lusk, St. Augustine, Sr.

Best season of his career. Had 121 tackles, 22 TFL, 5 sacks and 5 INTs for Class 3S state runner-up.

DB AJ Belgrave-Shorter, Mandarin, Sr.

Another excellent Mandarin corner who had 72 tackles and 4 INTs, with one going back for a TD. Recovered a fumble, too. Had 121 all-purpose yards and became the Mustangs’ de facto exclamation point(s) after TDs. Had 18 two-point conversions this season. Penn State signee.

DB Nicholas Kilpatrick, Raines, Sr.

Vikings star was always making plays. Had 61 tackles and 6 INTs for 10-2 Raines. Recovered a pair of fumbles. All-Gateway selection.

DB Jon Mitchell, Mandarin, Sr.

Had 71 tackles, 6 TFL, 4 INTs for Class 4M state runner-up. Forced 4 fumbles and had a recovery. Signed with Penn State.

DB Drake Stubbs, Mandarin, Jr.

All-News4JAX defensive player of the year. Had team-leading 6 INTs, pair of forced fumbles and 3 recovered fumbles. Added 97 tackles, 2.5 sacks for Class 4M state runner-up.

ATH Cam Anderson, Trinity Christian, Sr.

Two-time All-News4JAX selection. Team-leading 110 tackles, 15 TFL, fumble recovery on defensive side of the ball. Added running back role to his role this year (53 carries, 555 yards, 11 TDs, 10.5 ypc).

ATH Chason Clark, Bradford, Sr.

Two-time All-News4JAX selection. Had 128 tackles, 19 TFL, 3 sacks and forced a fumble for the Class 2S state runner-up. Caught a pair of TDs as a TE, including one that helped Tornadoes force OT in the state semifinals. Has signed with Marshall.

ATH Chalil Cummings, Bradford, Sr.

Everywhere player for the Tornadoes. Had 82 tackles, 3 INTs as a corner/safety. Had 829 yards receiving, 12 TDs on 49 catches for Class 2S state runner-up. Had 22 TD catches for 1,708 yards in his career. On defense, made 273 tackles with 9 picks in four seasons in Starke. Honorable mention All-News4JAX selection last season. Committed to Memphis.

P Liam Padron, Bartram Trail, Sr.

A first-team All-News4JAX first-team selection last year and a second teamer twice (2022-23). Hit all 36 PATs and 9 of 14 FGs with a long of 53. Averaged 40 yards a punt with 14 downed inside the 20. U.S. Army All-American selection.

Second team

Position, Player, School, Class

DL Mason Carter, Baldwin, Sr.

Long and athletic edge forced 3 fumbles, had 6 sacks, 14 tackles for loss and 44 tackles for Indians. Added 4 catches for 98 yards and a TE on the offensive side of the ball.

DL Braylen Ricks, Yulee, Sr.

Had 75 tackles, including a staggering 33 for loss as defense led the way for the Hornets. Added 9 sacks, blocked 3 punts and had a safety.

DL Duke Lewis, Bradford, Jr.

The defensive end was one more disruptor for the area’s most lethal defense. Had 104 tackles, 22 TFL, an INT and 12 sacks for the Tornadoes. Forced 7 fumbles and recovered 3 of those.

DL Cole Long, Creekside, Sr.

Constant presence in the offensive backfield. Had 70 tackles, 7 sacks and 19 tackles for loss for 6-5 Knights. Committed to Navy.

LB Trent Carter, Bolles, Sr.

Lead the 8-6 Bulldogs to the Class 2M state semifinals with a team-leading 143 tackles. Had 16 TFL, 3 sacks and picked off 2 passes. Forced a fumble and took an interception back for a TD. Signed with Louisville.

LB Jaylen Clark, Raines, Sr.

Team-leading 110 tackles, 15 for loss and 9 sacks for Class 2M regional semifinalist. Also rushed for 65 yards and a TD.

LB Kolbe Sexton, Bishop Kenny, Sr.

Crusaders star posted career-highs in tackles (88), sacks (7) and TFL (17). Added a couple interceptions, forced and recovered a fumble.

LB/DB Tony Williams, White, So.

Really emerged as an all-around threat in his second season with Commanders. Could play linebacker, safety or running back. Had 66 tackles, 5 TFL and a team-leading 5 INTs. Forced a fumble. Rushed for 320 yards, 7 TDs and tossed a TD, too.

DB Jerome Carter III, Columbia, Sr.

The versatile safety had 42 tackles, forced a pair of fumbles and recovered another. Tied for team lead with 2 interceptions. Signed with Old Dominion.

DB Dah’kari Gilley, University Christian, Sr.

Safety/linebacker hybrid had 61 total tackles, 18 TFL, an INT and 10 sacks for playoff qualifier Christians. Signed with Rutgers.

DB Shareef Jackson, Raines, So.

Breakout season. Had 27 tackles and a team-leading 7 INTs for 10-2 Vikings.

DB Joe Mahoney, Ponte Vedra, Sr.

Excellent player for the Sharks. Had 56 tackles, 14 pass defended and recovered a fumble. Always matched up with opponent’s top receiver. Blocked 3 field goals and had nearly 200 yards on punt returns.

ATH Sam Hayward, Providence, Jr.

Rising star had 45 tackles, 15 TFL, 10 RB hurries and 8 sacks as Stallions competed for a district title and reached the playoffs. Played tight end as well and an excellent blocker in the ground game.

ATH Shamarion Gibbs, Yulee, Sr.

Did everything for the Hornets. Had 94 tackles (14 for loss) and picked off 6 passes. Forced 4 fumbles and had a pair of defensive TDs. Rushed for 392 yards and 6 TDs and took a punt back for a TD.

ATH Jason Watson, Menendez, Sr.

Do-it-all player for the Falcons. Had 40 catches for 634 yards, 7 TDs. Had 26 tackles from his cornerback position. Picked off 5 passes, had 6 passes defended and forced 2 fumbles.

P Tae’Shaun Gelsey, Riverside, Jr.

Was one of the area’s top receivers, but an exceptional weapon on special teams, too. Averaged 40.3 yards per punt. On offense, had 48 catches for 859 yards, 9 TDs.

Third team

Pos., Player, School, Class, Notable

DL Demontra Burnett, Riverside, Sr.: Had 55 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and 10 sacks to provide the Generals line with some bite.

DL Jadarius Cherry, Suwannee, Sr.: Had 53 tackles, 14 TFL and 13 sacks for 6-4 Bulldogs.

DL Grant Pettigrew, Mandarin, Sr.: A tackle-for-loss machine (22). Third on the team with 104 tackles, 6 sacks.

DL Trey Railey, Bolles, Sr.: Alongside first-teamer Garrison Butler, provided big presence on the line. Had 57 tackles, 19 TFL, 9 sacks and recovered a fumble.

LB Caden Baldwin, Bartram Trail, Sr.: One of the top players at Bartram, he had 69 tackles, 4 forced fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries and 3 tackles for loss as Bears navigated one of the state’s most challenging schedules, won 8 games and reached regional final.

LB Austin Cruce, Middleburg, Sr.: Four-year player for the Broncos. Had 129 tackles to lead Middleburg to the playoffs. Added a couple rushing TDs.

LB Jeremiah McKenzie, Bradford, Sr.: Had 101 tackles, 7 TFL, 3 sacks, 2 INTs and forced 3 fumbles. On offense, rushed for 332 yards, 6 TDs on 44 carries.

DB Simeon Caldwell, Bolles, So.: Second on Bulldogs with 137 tackles. Added 11 TFL, 2 INT and blocked a couple punts.

DB Kani Fulton, Columbia, Sr.: Career-best 51 tackles, 5 TFL and a couple picks for defensive-focused Tigers.

CB Julian Porter, Bartram Trail, Sr.: Leader in the secondary for Bears, he had a team-best 5 INTs. Signed with Army.

DB Rhett Rhoden, Baker County, Fr.: Excellent first season, with 7 INTs, 6 passes defended for 8-4 Wildcats.

DB Jayden Taylor, Raines, Sr.: Safety was second on the Vikings in tackles (86). Had 4 INTs, 3 passes defended, fumble recovery. Took 3 picks back for TDs.

ATH Kyle Boylston, Trinity Christian, Sr.: Safety had 27 tackles, tied for team-lead with 4 INTs. As a receiver, had 434 yards receiving, 7 TDs on 26 catches. Florida Atlantic signee.

ATH Joshua Patterson, White, Jr.: Corner had 3 INTs, 4 passes defended, forced fumble, 19 tackles for Commanders. On offense, had 172 yards and 3 TDs receiving.

ATH Kaylib Singleton, Fleming Island, Jr.: Good-sized corner (6-1, 175) had 30 tackles and an interception as teams typically looked away from him. As a receiver, had a TD catch.

P Zander Erasmus, Tocoi Creek, Jr.: Averaged 37.4 yards per punt, with a long of 55 and 14 downed inside the 20. As a tight end, he had 273 yards on 25 catches and a TD.

Honorable mention

Atlantic Coast: TE Carter Ladd, Sr.

Baker County: OL Peyton Dugger, Sr.; DE Phillip Jackson, Jr.; RB Benny Lewis, Sr.; QB Hudson Register, So.; DB Tucker Thrift, Jr.

Baldwin: LB Octavious Barnes, Sr.; RB/WR Nashawn Jacobs, So.

Bartram Trail: WR De’Andre Caldwell, Jr.; S Sergio Lanzas, Sr.; DB Tamajh Mitchell, So.; OL Nick Spicer, Jr.; QB Riley Trujillo, Sr.; TE Connor Winn, Fr.

Bishop Kenny: LB/DB Nash Beenan, Sr.; WR/FS JP Donovan, Jr.; WR Kaleb Lampkins; RB Caleb Mattison, Fr.; OL/DL Nate Politano, Sr.; QB James Resar, Sr.; LB Gunnar Rogers, So.; K/P Gavin Salomone, Sr.

Bishop Snyder: QB John Bishop, Jr.

Beachside: WR Cohen Beebe, Sr.; LB Eddie Craig, Sr.; QB Edward Jordan, So.

Bradford: OL Jacob Ferguson; LB Devon McBride, Sr.

Bolles: WR Chase Collier, Jr.; RB Emmett Grzebin, Jr.

Christ’s Church: RB Kyree Wilson, Fr.

Clay: WR Payton Dykas, Sr.

Columbia: WR Camdon Frier, Sr.

Crescent City: WR/DB Lenatavious Keenon, Sr.

Creekside: DB Jaxon Earle, So.; ATH Kaleb Taylor-Burch, Jr.

Eagle’s View: QB Cameron Brunelle, Jr.

Englewood: ATH Anthony Brown, Sr.; RB/LB Malik Neely, Sr.; DB/LB Jalen Scarver, Sr.; ATH Tayshaun Solomon, Sr.

Episcopal: LB Matthew Jenkins, Jr.; DB/WR Cole Pennington, Sr.

Fernandina Beach: LB Joshua Modupe, Sr.

First Coast: RB Auston Harris, Sr.; DL Israel Lucas, Sr.

Flagler Palm Coast: DE Colby Cronk, Jr.

Fleming Island: WR Trace Burney, So.; DL Ladarius Jackson, Sr.

Fletcher: WR Troy Hillman, Sr.; DE Andre Jackson, Jr.; LB Owen Manuel, Jr.; LB Eysaw Parrish, Sr.; QB Marcelis Tate, Sr.; WR Anthony Vaglienti, Sr.

Fort White: WR/DB Garrett Brady, Sr.; DB Gavin Heaton, Sr.; QB Jayden Jackson, So.; DB/WR Tafari Moe, Jr.; WR/RB Najeeb Smith, Sr.

Hilliard: ATH Braydon Holley, Sr.; DB/WR Earl Moore, Sr.

Impact Christian: ATH Eliyjah Caldwell, So.; QB Hans Price, Fr.

Keystone Heights: RB Cartez Daniels, Sr.; OL Tyler Duncan, Jr.; P Connor Guy, Sr.

Mandarin: LB Israel Ratliff, So.

Matanzas: QB Dakwon Evans, Sr.; K Landon Grover, Sr.; ATH Cole Hash, Sr.; DB/WR Jordan Mills, Sr.

Menendez: QB Cash Downey, Fr.; DL Joseph Holliman, Jr.; Maddoxx Lehman, So.; LB/RB Joseph Soto, Jr.

Middleburg: DL BJ Carter, Jr.; OL Micah George, Sr.; ATH Jaydan Jenkins, Sr.; S Errick Fryer, Sr

Nease: OL Demarco Blackmon, Sr.; LB Jacob Curry, So.; QB Bryce Frick, Sr.; DB Cade Papineau, Sr.

Oakleaf: WR Michael Conner III, Fr.; RB Christopher Foy II, Jr.; OL/DL Akeem Neal, Sr.; ATH Jordan Price, So.; LB Neil Whyte, Sr.

Orange Park: LB Tyler Jackson, Sr.; DB Orlando Jackson, Sr.

Palatka: ATH Tay Valentine, Sr.

Parker: QB Tony Kennedy, So.; LB/RB David Smith, Sr.

Paxon: DB Tre’von Bell, Sr.; LB Ken Okor, Sr.; DB Isaiah Watts, Sr.

Ponte Vedra: LB Talan Babin, Sr.; QB Ben Burk, Sr.; DL Robbie Grieco, Jr.; WR Cole Madson, Sr.; DB Ridge Richardson, Sr.

Providence: OL/DL Ben Turner, Sr.; QB Mason Williams, Jr.

Raines: RB Mark Miller, Sr.; QB Ty’ren Randolph, Sr.

Ribault: LB/RB Jamel Bailey II, Jr.; DL Ge’Terius Brown, So.; QB Timothy Cole, So.; OL/DL Jordan Matthews, Sr.

Riverside: QB Glenn Foreman III, Jr.

St. Augustine: QB Dylan Cook, Sr.; OL Tarvarian Keenon, Jr.; LB Julian Quintero, Sr.; DB Ja’Ki Singleton, Sr.; K Logan Wandzilak, Sr.; DB Jimmie Wheeler, Jr.; DL Mike Wright, Jr.

Sandalwood: LB CJ Allen, Sr.

Suwannee: RB Marquavious Owens, Sr.

Tocoi Creek: OL Deshawn Blackmon, Jr.; DL Carson Collins, Sr.; RB Vincent Galella, So.; DB Micah Ragin, Sr.; DB Dakota Wright, Jr.

Trinity Christian: OL/LS Braden Forscutt, Sr.; DB/WR Jayke Jones, Sr.; LB Bryce Kazmierczak, Sr.; LB Lovell Vereen, Sr.; DL Michael Sterdivant, Sr.

Union County: DB Dayquan Diston, Sr.; ATH Gavin Jenkins, Jr.; DB/WR Blake McCoy, Sr.; DE Erich Seager, Sr.

University Christian: LB Isaac Colwell, Sr.; OL Kamari Perkins, Sr.; TE Brandon Riddle, Sr.; LB Luke Thomas, Sr.

Westside: ATH Crishaun Ashley, Sr.

West Nassau: RB Josh Bruton, Jr.; DB Stran Copher, Sr.

White: QB Jalen Pettway, Sr.; OL Paul Ruffin, Sr.

Wolfson: DB R.J. Grooms, Sr.

Yulee: TE/LB Rylan Hale, Sr.; DB LJ Jacobs, Sr.; P Braiden Shiver, Sr.; QB Nikao Smith, Sr.

Zarephath Academy: QB Jordan Durham, Jr.